Arsene Wenger says he wants Olivier Giroud to stay at Arsenal and would only let him go if the club sign another striker.
Chelsea have been linked with the French forward, who has struggled to hold down a regular first-team place at the Emirates Stadium and has been linked with several other clubs.
Gunners boss Wenger was asked at a press conference on Friday morning whether there had been an approach from Chelsea for Giroud.
“I want Olivier to stay. If nobody comes in then nobody goes out,” was Wenger’s response.
Arsenal, who recently sold Theo Walcott to Everton, are trying to agree a deal to buy Gabonese striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from Borussia Dortmund.
That might pave the way for Giroud to move on, but Wenger insisted including Giroud as part of any deal for Aubameyang was never discussed despite reports claiming that Giroud could move to Germany in exchange.
Asked if Giroud had requested a move, Wenger said: “No. I have constant exchanges with Giroud and we speak about the situation.
“He has played many games, scored important goals and he is an important player.
“Everyone wants him to stay and has high respect for him. He could only leave if someone comes in (to Arsenal).
“We lost Theo Walcott and to lose Olivier without someone coming in would be too many.”